JOSEPH — To say Chief Joseph Days Queen Lauren McBurney is busy would be an understatement.

Since being crowned in April, she has participated in nine rodeos around the state and expects to represent Chief Joseph Days in 16 or so rodeos before her reign is over. She describes the experience so far as “incredible.”

And it sounds as though she wouldn’t have it any other way.

McBurney said she wanted to be a rodeo queen since she was a little girl. Her mother, Chantay Jett, was the 1988 Chief Joseph Days Queen and McBurney grew up listening to all the stories of people such as Diane Daggett and Darlene Turner, “all these people who have been rodeo royalty,” she said.

She remembers going up to rodeo queens when she was a little girl, gawking at their beautiful outfits and asking for their autographs. Now, she says, she is the queen and little girls ask for her autograph. She loves it.

In fact, she said what she likes most about the experience is “by far, seeing all the adorable little girls and networking with people. And spending the summer with my horse.”

There are challenges. Conditions can be hot and it’s not always easy to balance home life with rodeo life. But she says she has a lot of support from her parents and chaperones. “There is nothing that would make me not want to be the queen,” she said.

McBurney said she was drawn to trying out for the Chief Joseph Days Court for several reasons. She loves public speaking and presenting a prepared speech to groups and organizations in the county is part of the competition to be selected queen. The members of the rodeo court also get to wear beautiful outfits, meet people, and ride horses. 

“You also get to travel the Columbia River Rodeo Circuit —which encompasses Oregon, Washington, and Idaho — and be with your best friends (the princesses on the court become your best friends, she explained) and your horse all summer. You have the time of your life,” she said.

“I may be the queen, but without Karly Baremore and Colbi Cunningham, my princess partners, this 2024 Chief Joseph Days court would not be as special as it is,” she said.

McBurney, a student at Joseph Charter School, said she would encourage more young women and girls to try out for a rodeo royalty court.

She said it’s “so empowering for young women. (It) teaches you to be the face of rodeo. (We) need more girls to feel empowered. It’s cool to say you’re the face of your rodeo,” she said.

McBurney said she “can’t wait to see you the last full week of July,” when Chief Joseph Days kicks off its 78th celebration of all things rodeo.

Here are brief sketches of Karly Baremore and Colbi Cunningham, the two princesses in the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo Court:

Karly Baremore

Baremore, who graduated this spring from Wallowa High School, is a lifelong rancher and Junior Rodeo participant for five years. At Wallowa High School, she serves as the FFA Secretary and Livestock Manager, played basketball, softball, and volleyball, and was an active member of student government, holding the position of historian.

In 2023, Baremore represented as a Tuckerette at Chief Joseph Days Rodeo and has served as a flag carrier for the Eastern Oregon Livestock Show & Rodeo in the past.

Colbi Cunningham

Cunningham, a student at Joseph Charter School, has grown up at her family’s ranch between Joseph and Enterprise. She started riding horses at age 4 and now participates in Northwest Youth Rodeo, Western Horsemen Of Oregon, Oregon High School Equestrian Team, and the Mountain High Broncs and Bulls Drill team. Cunningham’s achievements include Barrel Racers National 4D finals qualifications for three years.

She is active in FFA, and is a dedicated member of the Nez Perce 4-H Club.